fan

He's the center of the second "offensive" line. He played wing last time on Hensik's line but they split those two up now.

Stafford is going to Russia with the US under 18 team to the World Championships. Even though he has been in the shadow of Parise and Crosby, he has the size speed and stats to be a top six forward next year. According to USA Hockey Website he won the Overall Easton skills challenge including fastest skater at (6'2", 210lbs), and puckhandling drill.

Stafford went to the Czech Republic with the u18's and was ranked as a top forward. He is ranked 21st overall,both among Europeans and N. Americans, and the top power forward in the 2004 draft by red line report. He and Porter both created a lot of space for Zach and Brady at Shattuck, something Zach didn't have this year. A bonified power forward opens up ice(Porter), a power forward with soft hands and a scorer's touch(Stafford) creates offense which is what the Sioux needs. Porter and Stafford not only add strenght and speed they add toughness and grit...and, as importantly, space for Zach and Brady to move.

The fact that Parise wants to stay and play with his friends from Shattuck speaks highly of their character and skill as well don't you think? You hear all this praise for Parise's work ethic and hockey sense...he must know good players when he sees (plays with) them!! Go Sioux!

Shattuck plays at Crookston again this year so we'll be able to see Stafford and Smaby like were able to see Parise, Porter & Murray last year. Both are the leaders on that team, you can tell. They're both about 4 inches taller than everyone else and look like men among boys. Not many teams at any level have enough depth to have 2 point per game players on there first two lines.

I saw Shattuck in the final game of that elite Tournament in New Hope last weekend. Smaby double shifted at D. He's a steady skilled D-man with great mobility for his size. For the last period and the entire overtime Stafford and Crosby double shifted at center between 3 sets of wingers. Stafford took every one of the defensive zone faceoffs though. Crosby definately has great puck sense and savvy, Stafford is a prototype power forward. He has a powerful wide skating stride, and uses his body well, but he has really good hands too, he set up some nice plays and had some good chances. The other goalie played out of his mind. I'm pretty sure Shattuck outshot Minnesota by quite a bit. All in all we (the Sioux) were well represented!!